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( I'm such a slacker! I'm going to write a full out, kick-ass chapter now!
Seven pages atleast! And Its not going to suck either! And ya know what?
I'm in the mood for some fluff! So I'm going to hurry this one along! ;)
Okay, well first of all, I changed a few mistakes in my prev. chapters. In chapter 1, I said their birthdays were in 1980, so I changed that. Plus I changed the part about Bella and Sirius, which was in chapter 5.
When is the quidditch world cup? Is it in summer?
I'm going to start addressing my reviewers! Yay for me! Well I'm starting at Chapter 9 so if I miss you, review again and I'll get you! ;)
Avrie, thanks for mentioning the length thing. You're right. I hate reading short chapters, so I better not start writing them a lot.
Kirbee: MAJOR disaster waiting to happen! Note to other readers: DON'T SEND ANONYMOUS GIFTS!
Marauders Map: I love your reviews! We'll see about the ring thing..
Bee: you're right! I actually forgot about that! Now I'm all confused. I think I'm going to go edit that out. It doesn't quite fit right.
Sierra Sutric: (sp?) Amos is stupid, isn't he??
Jujubee: this is your fav story??? Awww! I love you! You are officially in my top reviewers clique! Lol
Beauty Full: For real! Marriage is so scary. I can't imagine getting married at 17.
Ruby:Thanks for caring! Lol ;) I have some mercy, so I'll try!
A.L.S.O: Anytime! Awww thanks so much for saying my story is amazing!
Nicole: you look everyday?? I do that to other ppl's stories! I'm so glad someone does for mine! SCORE!
Tap-Chan: I like my eyeballs where they are! Haha just kidding. Well right when you reviewed, I was typing this, so I guess you won't have to long to wait.
Disclaimer: blah blah blah
And now! Chapter 10!!!!!!! (double digits!)
Innocent Deceptions Chapter 10
Sparkling green, mystic purple, ruby red, shimmery blue. Dress robes of every color filled the girls dorm. In the window-side corner of the seventh year Ravenclaw dorm, a tall blonde girl fixed an anxious red-head's curly hair.
Lily, her hair swept back into an elaborate french knot, with curls tumbling out of it, looked like a queen of some sort. She had that poise, that elegance, that so many strived for, but that she achieved effortlessly. In a slightly shimmery black dress, she looked decidedly classical. Little make-up was required on her finely boned face, but a little lip gloss and clear mascara never hurt anyone.
Bella, on the other hand, looked more like a fairy tale princess than any other human ever has. In a green dress with a cinderella style (poofy) skirt, with a gauzy green wrap, she was very Cinderella-ish. Her hair fell in ringlet curls around her face. Both girls looked like they belonged at a royal ball, but for tonight, just a Hogwarts Yule Ball was all that was required.
"There's something missing," Bella said thoughtfully as she gazed at Lily. Her eyes darted around the room and landed on the ring from James. "This! You must wear this!" She handed the ring to Lily, who slipped it on wordlessly. Then she put a diamond necklace around Lily's throat and smiled. "Very simple. The understated look. I like it!"
Lily got up and looked in the mirror. She stared for a moment then met Bella's eyes in the mirror. Bella's face softened and she said quietly, "Lily, marriage is a gift. A gift that when offered should be accepted with love, affection, and friendship. It can't be taken from someone, it shouldn't be given or accepted without full and certain consent. Forever may seem like a long time, but with the right person it wouldn't be long enough."
Lily's eyes dropped unconciously to the ring on her finger. It said James all over it. Amos had unknowingly given her the answer. Forever may seem like a long time, but with the right person it wouldn't be long enough. The ring caught the light and Lily was calmed by its sparkles. Life with Amos would be confining. A lifetime would be too long. Whether or not true love existed, she couldn't do that to him. She couldn't ruin his life by ruining her own.
Bella smiled as though aware of her decision. "Lily," She said quietly. "I think we ought to go."
Lily nodded and they walked out of the room, down to where their dates were waiting.
Fletcher caught Bella up in a hug and she smacked him away lightly. "Listen, boy." She growled. "If you think I spent this long trying to look this good, just for you to mess it up before we get there.." She cracked a smile. "Now shake my hand or something, you great big oaf!"
Amos met Lily's eyes as she walked down the stairs, looking like a vision from another time. She would be a beautiful wife. His family would approve and God knows he loved her. He walked over and took her hand as she came down the bottom steps. The ring glinted and threw light into his eyes. Where was that from? The ring he had given her was a plain diamond. He met her eyes curiously and her look sobered him. "Amos, we need to talk." She said quietly as she took his arm and left the room after Bella and Fletcher.
She was silent the rest of the way, drawing up the courage she knew she would need.
Forever may seem like a long time, but with the right person it wouldn't be long enough.
She repeated the words over in her head again as they reached the doors of the main hall. The rest of the school was waiting and Lily steeled herself as she entered, knowing that she and Amos would have to open the ball.
They were announced as they entered, (Amos Diggory, Ravenclaw Quidditch Captain and Head Boy escorting Patience Evans, Head Girl also of Ravenclaw.), and made their way to the center of the floor.
The music swirled around Lily's ears as the lights blurred her vision. The song caught her attention and it whirled along with their dance. ~*~ Of all the things I've believed in I just want to get it over with Tears form behind my eyes But I do not cry
Counting the days that pass me by I've been searching deep down in my soul Words that I'm hearing are starting to get old It feels like I'm starting all over again The last three years were just pretend And I said,
Goodbye to you Goodbye to everything I thought I knew You were the one I loved The one thing that I tried to hold on to ~*~
A familiar face caught hers in the crowd and his solemn eyes met her own. James. A silent plea echoed between them and he tore his eyes away and disappeared into the crowd. ~*~ I still get lost in your eyes And it seems that I can't live a day without you Closing my eyes and you chase my thoughts away To a place where I am blinded by the light But it's not right
Goodbye to you Goodbye to everything I thought I knew You were the one I loved The one thing that I tried to hold on to ~*~ "Amos," She said quietly. "I can't marry you."
"Lily, time isn't an issue-I'll wait for you."
"No, Amos. I can't marry you ever." Her pain filled eyes met his own.
~*~ And it hurts to want everything and nothing at the same time I want what's yours and I want what's mine I want you But I'm not giving in this time ~*~
"Amos, if you want your ring back, its yours."
"Lily." He seemed filled with pain, but unable to comprehend. "I should have suspected. You weren't even wearing the ring I gave you."
Her face paled and she scanned the crowd. James. Oh James. I'm not-It's not what you think. "What do you mean? This is the only ring I got this morning."
Amos turned his torment to the back of his head. "The only ring? Didn't you find the black velvet ring box in your jewelry box?"
"I-" Lily couldn't answer. "No, I didn't." ~*~ Goodbye to you Goodbye to everything I thought I knew You were the one I loved The one thing that I tried to hold on to The one thing that I tried to hold on to... ~*~
The song was coming to an end and so were his dreams of Lily. James watched her from a dark corner as she and Amos stared deep into each other's eyes. Did she say yes? Was she getting married? Questions whirred around his mind and he closed his eyes for a brief moment to try to contain his thoughts.
~*~ And when the stars fall I will lie awake You're my shooting star ~*~
"I'm sorry, Amos"
"I-I understand, Lily."
The music ended and Lily leaned up to kiss him lightly. "Thank you, Amos. For everything."
"Lily," His voice caught. "I'd like you to see the ring now and then get it back. I want this to be closed."
"Of course, Amos." She nodded and as they left the dance floor, she led him up to her room.
~*~
Shock registered on James' face. They were leaving? Did he need more finalization than that? Lily had moved on indefinately. He turned and walked quickly out of the Great Hall. This part of his life was over. He would go back to London tonight, move back into his old flat, and prepare for quidditch. And try to forget about Lily.
~*~
Lily popped open the black box. Sparkling letters filled the air.
Lily-I love you. Will you marry me?
She closed the box and turned to Amos, tears running down her face. "I am sorry. I didn't mean-"
He cut her off and took the box from her. "Lily, it's okay. Now let's go."
~*~
Lily looked around the Great Hall, excitement sparkling in her eyes.
She found a familiar person, not the one she was looking for, standing over near the punch bowl. With Bella trailing behind, she quickly made her way over.
"Sirius," She said breathlessly. "Where's James?"
Sirius looked at her with surprise. "Lily, is that you? Gosh, you look different."
Lily smiled. "Oh, Sirius, this is Arabella."
Sirius nodded at her. "You look just like your sisters. Ava and Ana, right? Anyway," he shrugged. "This is Remus." Remus smiled and looked very closely at Bella. She blushed and looked down.
Lily rolled her eyes at Sirius. "So have you seen James?"
Sirius shook his head. "He was here earlier, but I think he left."
Lily's face fell. "Did he say why?"
Sirius searched her eyes. "Well, Lily. I think it was something about you getting married."
Lily gasped. "Married?"
Sirius shifted uncomfortably. "Well, he said something about it."
"Oh God." She groaned. "I'm --." She stared outside the window and stopped her sentence as someone tapped her shoulder.
"Miss Evans," The voice of Dumbledore rumbled behind her. "I have some news. I would like for you to come to my office for a moment."
She shared a look with Bella and walked away mouthing, meet me in the dorm.
Bella glanced up at Sirius and Remus. "Well, I think I am going to follow her up now. I've never seen Dumbledore act that way before." She quickly said good night and hurried off, her shyness getting the best of her.
Sirius shrugged and turned back to the food. "Well that was weird. She never did tell us if she was getting married or not."
Remus nodded. "No, she didn't. It didn't sound like it, but it looked like it earlier. Oh well, who knows. Arabella is gorgeous." He stared after he absent-mindedly. Sirius smacked him. "My friends are all going after 17 year olds. What is up with this?"
~*~
Lily sat in front of his desk as he fiddled with something. "Professor?" She questioned. "Why am I here?"
He abruptly dropped the item and stared into her eyes, his blue eyes full of sadness. "Patience. I hate to be the one to tell you this and I sincerely wish this hadn't happened." He looked away. "I received a letter from the ministry. There had been another attack, this time on a family of muggles."
Lily watched him with horror. "Muggles?"
"Yes. Lily, your family was attacked on Christmas morning. Your sister survives."
Tears filled her eyes and overflowed as she tried to register the information.
"Your aunt will take care of you this summer. You will be given as much time off from your studies as you need for the funeral and anything else you need to do."
She stood immediately. "I-Thank you." She turned and fled as she heard him say, "I'm sorry."
Once in her dorm she flung herself on her bed and sobbed into her pillow. Her parents were gone? What about her promise? What about the year she was supposed to spend with them? Her sweet mother and her caring father. Gone. Diminished. Voldemorte. I never told them I loved them often enough. I lost the time I had with them. I didn't appreciate them. I caused this.
The door creaked open and she heard Bella's footfalls as she made her way over. Bella put hand on her back and silently let her best friend cry. She didn't ask what was wrong, but she probably knew. Best friends had a sense like that. Lily picked up her head and buried it in Bella's shoulder. Heavier footfalls entered the room and an arm encircled her back. Instinctively, she knew it was Fletcher. Surrounded by their loving presence, she fell asleep, still sobbing.
((Ouch! Definitely not the fluff that I set out to write. Well anyway, this is a longer chapter. Anyway, I guess that's all for this one!
When is the World Cup??? Late summer, right?
Review!
~sweetdreamz
Okay, well first of all, I changed a few mistakes in my prev. chapters. In chapter 1, I said their birthdays were in 1980, so I changed that. Plus I changed the part about Bella and Sirius, which was in chapter 5.
When is the quidditch world cup? Is it in summer?
I'm going to start addressing my reviewers! Yay for me! Well I'm starting at Chapter 9 so if I miss you, review again and I'll get you! ;)
Avrie, thanks for mentioning the length thing. You're right. I hate reading short chapters, so I better not start writing them a lot.
Kirbee: MAJOR disaster waiting to happen! Note to other readers: DON'T SEND ANONYMOUS GIFTS!
Marauders Map: I love your reviews! We'll see about the ring thing..
Bee: you're right! I actually forgot about that! Now I'm all confused. I think I'm going to go edit that out. It doesn't quite fit right.
Sierra Sutric: (sp?) Amos is stupid, isn't he??
Jujubee: this is your fav story??? Awww! I love you! You are officially in my top reviewers clique! Lol
Beauty Full: For real! Marriage is so scary. I can't imagine getting married at 17.
Ruby:Thanks for caring! Lol ;) I have some mercy, so I'll try!
A.L.S.O: Anytime! Awww thanks so much for saying my story is amazing!
Nicole: you look everyday?? I do that to other ppl's stories! I'm so glad someone does for mine! SCORE!
Tap-Chan: I like my eyeballs where they are! Haha just kidding. Well right when you reviewed, I was typing this, so I guess you won't have to long to wait.
Disclaimer: blah blah blah
And now! Chapter 10!!!!!!! (double digits!)
Innocent Deceptions Chapter 10
Sparkling green, mystic purple, ruby red, shimmery blue. Dress robes of every color filled the girls dorm. In the window-side corner of the seventh year Ravenclaw dorm, a tall blonde girl fixed an anxious red-head's curly hair.
Lily, her hair swept back into an elaborate french knot, with curls tumbling out of it, looked like a queen of some sort. She had that poise, that elegance, that so many strived for, but that she achieved effortlessly. In a slightly shimmery black dress, she looked decidedly classical. Little make-up was required on her finely boned face, but a little lip gloss and clear mascara never hurt anyone.
Bella, on the other hand, looked more like a fairy tale princess than any other human ever has. In a green dress with a cinderella style (poofy) skirt, with a gauzy green wrap, she was very Cinderella-ish. Her hair fell in ringlet curls around her face. Both girls looked like they belonged at a royal ball, but for tonight, just a Hogwarts Yule Ball was all that was required.
"There's something missing," Bella said thoughtfully as she gazed at Lily. Her eyes darted around the room and landed on the ring from James. "This! You must wear this!" She handed the ring to Lily, who slipped it on wordlessly. Then she put a diamond necklace around Lily's throat and smiled. "Very simple. The understated look. I like it!"
Lily got up and looked in the mirror. She stared for a moment then met Bella's eyes in the mirror. Bella's face softened and she said quietly, "Lily, marriage is a gift. A gift that when offered should be accepted with love, affection, and friendship. It can't be taken from someone, it shouldn't be given or accepted without full and certain consent. Forever may seem like a long time, but with the right person it wouldn't be long enough."
Lily's eyes dropped unconciously to the ring on her finger. It said James all over it. Amos had unknowingly given her the answer. Forever may seem like a long time, but with the right person it wouldn't be long enough. The ring caught the light and Lily was calmed by its sparkles. Life with Amos would be confining. A lifetime would be too long. Whether or not true love existed, she couldn't do that to him. She couldn't ruin his life by ruining her own.
Bella smiled as though aware of her decision. "Lily," She said quietly. "I think we ought to go."
Lily nodded and they walked out of the room, down to where their dates were waiting.
Fletcher caught Bella up in a hug and she smacked him away lightly. "Listen, boy." She growled. "If you think I spent this long trying to look this good, just for you to mess it up before we get there.." She cracked a smile. "Now shake my hand or something, you great big oaf!"
Amos met Lily's eyes as she walked down the stairs, looking like a vision from another time. She would be a beautiful wife. His family would approve and God knows he loved her. He walked over and took her hand as she came down the bottom steps. The ring glinted and threw light into his eyes. Where was that from? The ring he had given her was a plain diamond. He met her eyes curiously and her look sobered him. "Amos, we need to talk." She said quietly as she took his arm and left the room after Bella and Fletcher.
She was silent the rest of the way, drawing up the courage she knew she would need.
Forever may seem like a long time, but with the right person it wouldn't be long enough.
She repeated the words over in her head again as they reached the doors of the main hall. The rest of the school was waiting and Lily steeled herself as she entered, knowing that she and Amos would have to open the ball.
They were announced as they entered, (Amos Diggory, Ravenclaw Quidditch Captain and Head Boy escorting Patience Evans, Head Girl also of Ravenclaw.), and made their way to the center of the floor.
The music swirled around Lily's ears as the lights blurred her vision. The song caught her attention and it whirled along with their dance. ~*~ Of all the things I've believed in I just want to get it over with Tears form behind my eyes But I do not cry
Counting the days that pass me by I've been searching deep down in my soul Words that I'm hearing are starting to get old It feels like I'm starting all over again The last three years were just pretend And I said,
Goodbye to you Goodbye to everything I thought I knew You were the one I loved The one thing that I tried to hold on to ~*~
A familiar face caught hers in the crowd and his solemn eyes met her own. James. A silent plea echoed between them and he tore his eyes away and disappeared into the crowd. ~*~ I still get lost in your eyes And it seems that I can't live a day without you Closing my eyes and you chase my thoughts away To a place where I am blinded by the light But it's not right
Goodbye to you Goodbye to everything I thought I knew You were the one I loved The one thing that I tried to hold on to ~*~ "Amos," She said quietly. "I can't marry you."
"Lily, time isn't an issue-I'll wait for you."
"No, Amos. I can't marry you ever." Her pain filled eyes met his own.
~*~ And it hurts to want everything and nothing at the same time I want what's yours and I want what's mine I want you But I'm not giving in this time ~*~
"Amos, if you want your ring back, its yours."
"Lily." He seemed filled with pain, but unable to comprehend. "I should have suspected. You weren't even wearing the ring I gave you."
Her face paled and she scanned the crowd. James. Oh James. I'm not-It's not what you think. "What do you mean? This is the only ring I got this morning."
Amos turned his torment to the back of his head. "The only ring? Didn't you find the black velvet ring box in your jewelry box?"
"I-" Lily couldn't answer. "No, I didn't." ~*~ Goodbye to you Goodbye to everything I thought I knew You were the one I loved The one thing that I tried to hold on to The one thing that I tried to hold on to... ~*~
The song was coming to an end and so were his dreams of Lily. James watched her from a dark corner as she and Amos stared deep into each other's eyes. Did she say yes? Was she getting married? Questions whirred around his mind and he closed his eyes for a brief moment to try to contain his thoughts.
~*~ And when the stars fall I will lie awake You're my shooting star ~*~
"I'm sorry, Amos"
"I-I understand, Lily."
The music ended and Lily leaned up to kiss him lightly. "Thank you, Amos. For everything."
"Lily," His voice caught. "I'd like you to see the ring now and then get it back. I want this to be closed."
"Of course, Amos." She nodded and as they left the dance floor, she led him up to her room.
~*~
Shock registered on James' face. They were leaving? Did he need more finalization than that? Lily had moved on indefinately. He turned and walked quickly out of the Great Hall. This part of his life was over. He would go back to London tonight, move back into his old flat, and prepare for quidditch. And try to forget about Lily.
~*~
Lily popped open the black box. Sparkling letters filled the air.
Lily-I love you. Will you marry me?
She closed the box and turned to Amos, tears running down her face. "I am sorry. I didn't mean-"
He cut her off and took the box from her. "Lily, it's okay. Now let's go."
~*~
Lily looked around the Great Hall, excitement sparkling in her eyes.
She found a familiar person, not the one she was looking for, standing over near the punch bowl. With Bella trailing behind, she quickly made her way over.
"Sirius," She said breathlessly. "Where's James?"
Sirius looked at her with surprise. "Lily, is that you? Gosh, you look different."
Lily smiled. "Oh, Sirius, this is Arabella."
Sirius nodded at her. "You look just like your sisters. Ava and Ana, right? Anyway," he shrugged. "This is Remus." Remus smiled and looked very closely at Bella. She blushed and looked down.
Lily rolled her eyes at Sirius. "So have you seen James?"
Sirius shook his head. "He was here earlier, but I think he left."
Lily's face fell. "Did he say why?"
Sirius searched her eyes. "Well, Lily. I think it was something about you getting married."
Lily gasped. "Married?"
Sirius shifted uncomfortably. "Well, he said something about it."
"Oh God." She groaned. "I'm --." She stared outside the window and stopped her sentence as someone tapped her shoulder.
"Miss Evans," The voice of Dumbledore rumbled behind her. "I have some news. I would like for you to come to my office for a moment."
She shared a look with Bella and walked away mouthing, meet me in the dorm.
Bella glanced up at Sirius and Remus. "Well, I think I am going to follow her up now. I've never seen Dumbledore act that way before." She quickly said good night and hurried off, her shyness getting the best of her.
Sirius shrugged and turned back to the food. "Well that was weird. She never did tell us if she was getting married or not."
Remus nodded. "No, she didn't. It didn't sound like it, but it looked like it earlier. Oh well, who knows. Arabella is gorgeous." He stared after he absent-mindedly. Sirius smacked him. "My friends are all going after 17 year olds. What is up with this?"
~*~
Lily sat in front of his desk as he fiddled with something. "Professor?" She questioned. "Why am I here?"
He abruptly dropped the item and stared into her eyes, his blue eyes full of sadness. "Patience. I hate to be the one to tell you this and I sincerely wish this hadn't happened." He looked away. "I received a letter from the ministry. There had been another attack, this time on a family of muggles."
Lily watched him with horror. "Muggles?"
"Yes. Lily, your family was attacked on Christmas morning. Your sister survives."
Tears filled her eyes and overflowed as she tried to register the information.
"Your aunt will take care of you this summer. You will be given as much time off from your studies as you need for the funeral and anything else you need to do."
She stood immediately. "I-Thank you." She turned and fled as she heard him say, "I'm sorry."
Once in her dorm she flung herself on her bed and sobbed into her pillow. Her parents were gone? What about her promise? What about the year she was supposed to spend with them? Her sweet mother and her caring father. Gone. Diminished. Voldemorte. I never told them I loved them often enough. I lost the time I had with them. I didn't appreciate them. I caused this.
The door creaked open and she heard Bella's footfalls as she made her way over. Bella put hand on her back and silently let her best friend cry. She didn't ask what was wrong, but she probably knew. Best friends had a sense like that. Lily picked up her head and buried it in Bella's shoulder. Heavier footfalls entered the room and an arm encircled her back. Instinctively, she knew it was Fletcher. Surrounded by their loving presence, she fell asleep, still sobbing.
((Ouch! Definitely not the fluff that I set out to write. Well anyway, this is a longer chapter. Anyway, I guess that's all for this one!
When is the World Cup??? Late summer, right?
Review!
~sweetdreamz